NFL world reacts to clip of Michael Penix Jr. playing under center

[ASFN Admin]

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. got fans talking on Friday after the team posted a clip of him playing under center at practice. While this may not seem like a big deal, Penix is recovering from a knee injury, and he rarely took snaps under center when Zac Robinson was the play-caller.

Anyone who has followed the team over the last two seasons is aware of Robinson's fondness for the Pistol formation. Fans grew frustrated with this tendency, although many have speculated that Penix's prior knee injuries played a factor in Robinson's play-calling.

Penix was first shown throwing the ball last week, but he was stationary while doing so. This time, the team made sure to include a clip of him playing under center -- which many said he couldn't do.

After checking social media, it's clear that Penix has quieted some doubters with his progress just six months removed from ACL reconstruction surgery.

NFL fans react to Penix playing under center​

Here's how Falcons fans reacted to the latest clip for Penix operating under center:

For everyone who said it’s Tua’s job to lose… you might need to reconsider that. We are gonna have a battle in camp. https://t.co/tZE33q7hWl

— Brice Lewis (@bricey_2k) May 15, 2026

The choice of video feels pretty intentional. Tough day for anyone who said Penix could not physically bend his knees to go under center https://t.co/25WQLR1Rdk

— Garrett Chapman (@gchapatl) May 15, 2026

LETS GO!!!! QB1 + WR1 = 9 to 5 connection

— Carrie (@carrielynnxox) May 16, 2026

I don’t think I’ve seen a single video of Tua throwing the football https://t.co/NZB6U7j7J6

— Kai (@SznPltts) May 15, 2026

No! No! No! Michael can’t move under center and his knees don’t work!!!! DONT SHOW THIS JUST YET the haters say defense ain’t coming after him so it don’t count

— Michael Penix Stan (@LonerKiddd) May 15, 2026

https://t.co/J867MqVBMYpic.twitter.com/ISiiVOWZ79

— Tre’Shon (@tre3shon) May 15, 2026

All you Zac Robinson apologists can go with him.

— 680 The Zonk (@SpeakSoftMike) May 15, 2026

Let’s Go!!!!

— Tish (@tish________) May 15, 2026

pic.twitter.com/KgMW5bE7Yc

— YBN Taco Salad - (@Zouthern_Charm) May 15, 2026

Michael Penix Jr. under center reps from your viewing pleasure.

Falcons start OTAs on Monday, but this is an encouraging sign for his recovery. https://t.co/A787wkHUkd

— Daniel Flick (@ByDanielFlick) May 15, 2026

We'll see if Robinson continues to rely on the Pistol formation as the offensive coordinator for the NFC South-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Plus, keep your eye on that quarterback battle between Penix and Tua Tagovailoa during OTAs.

The Falcons will face the Bucs in Weeks 8 and 16 this season. See their full 17-game schedule below.


This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: NFL reacts to Michael Penix under center

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